Tamale: The Africa Health Promotion Organisation (AfricaHPO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combating bullying and fostering mental health awareness in Senior High Schools (SHSs).
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme is supported by Grand Challenges Canada and was inaugurated at the Northern School of Business SHS in Tamale. This initiative is set to be implemented in 12 SHSs across the Northern, Bono East, Ashanti, Greater Accra, Volta, and Oti Regions.
The initiative adopts a comprehensive approach to tackling bullying and mental health issues, focusing on empathy, peer advocacy, and decentralised mental health support. It seeks to involve teachers, students, and non-teaching staff in creating safe and supportive school environments.
Mr Kisses Johnson Ahortor, Executive Director of AfricaHPO, highlighted that the programme aims to cultivate a culture of empathy and zero tolerance for bullying. He mentioned that transforming former bullies into peer educators and advocates is expected to help change attitudes and provide support for students dealing with mental health challenges.
Mr Ahortor emphasized the necessity of sustainable interventions in school health, noting that empowering students to spearhead such initiatives is crucial for long-term success.
Mr Jerry Kakeleife Abe, Programme Director of AfricaHPO, stated that the initiative is preventive rather than reactive, forming part of a broader global movement to prioritise youth mental health. He elaborated that the model engages perpetrators, victims, and bystanders in bullying situations to foster empathy, healing, and behavioural change.
Mr Alhassan Issah Dokurugu, Headmaster of the Northern School of Business SHS, praised the intervention, recognizing its potential to educate students on the significance of prioritising mental health. He pointed out that peers often identify bullying incidents more quickly, making early mental health interventions crucial for effective learning.
